This month Longines introduced a new stainless steel pilot’s chronograph with your choice of a black, blue, or silver dial.
The Spirit Chronograph is shown in a 42 mm diameter stainless steel case with luxurious satin-brushed and polished surfaces and a striking blue sunray brushed dial.
There are three subdials that have an azurage stamped guilloche finish. At 9 o’clock is small seconds, at 6 is the 12-hour chronograph counter, and at 3 is the 30-minute chronograph register. Each of the subdials is trimmed with a polished silver ring. On the flange a 0-60 minute/seconds scale is printed in white and in between this outermost ring and the main dial is a polished silver ring helping to differentiate the two.
In addition to the applied silver luminescent Arabic numerals, there are twelve lume filled diamond-shaped indices set right on the ring that encircles the main dial. The red chronograph seconds hand has a diamond tip that is identical in size and shape to the indices. The chronograph hour and minute counters also feature bright red varnished hands whereas the hour, minute, and small seconds hands have a silvered sandblasted finish.
Located at an angle at 4:30 is a date aperture with a black date wheel and beige numbers, controlled by the screw-locked crown located on the case flank at 10 o’clock. The rest of the function including hand-winding are adjusted by the traditional crown at 3 lock, which is also of the screw-down variety.
Driving all of the functions is automatic caliber L688.4 made custom for Longines (based on ETA A08.LOI) which beats at 4Hz, has 27 jewels, and a 60-hour power reserve. The chronograph function is actuated by a premium column-wheel mechanism and the movement uses an advanced silicon balance spring. The movement has been COSC certified to chronometer specifications, meaning it has a daily rate of -4/+6 or better, as denoted on the dial at 12 o’clock, just above the 5 applied stars, and below the applied winged Longines logo.
The caseback is solid and secured with 6 screws. Water-resistance is rated to 100 meters. The Longines Spirit Chronograph is shown with a blue dial and blue leather strap with cream stitching (Ref. L3.820.4.93.0) and is also available with a silver grained or black dial on a leather strap or stainless steel bracelet. The retail price of $3,100 is the same for all variations.
